Why Is Respite Care Essential for Seniors and Their Families?

By Chris Cruse 9 am on September 6, 2019

Strong families surround their senior loved ones with care and support as they age. While many families share caregiving responsibilities, it’s also common for one person in the group to shoulder the bulk of the care. Respite care is a service that involves having a professional caregiver come to your loved one’s home to help out while you relax or handle other important things. Once you try using respite care, you’ll understand exactly why so many families consider it important to hire a professional caregiver.

Eliminates the Negative Effects of Social Isolation

Seniors and their caregivers are both at risk of becoming isolated. Older adults need to spend time with other people outside their families who give them a different perspective on life. Family caregivers sometimes find their social lives take a nosedive when they never have time to accept their friends’ invitations to do things such as go out to lunch. Your loved one gains a new friend, and you have the chance to go out and enjoy your friendships when you hire a respite caregiver.

Helps Caregivers Maintain Strong Immune Systems

Your loved one needs you to be healthy and strong. However, the stress you face on a daily basis could cause you to experience more frequent illnesses. Taking regular breaks allows your body time to recuperate from the mental and physical strain that accompanies your duties. You can also use respite care to attend medical appointments that further boost your health.Family caregivers need to care for their own wellbeing. If you’re caring for an aging loved one and are feeling overwhelmed, consider hiring a professional caregiver to provide respite care. Des Moinesfamilies who want to prevent burnout can turn to Home Care Assistance. One of our professional caregivers can assist your loved one at home while you take a nap, go to work, run errands, or go on vacation.

Provides Opportunities for Seniors to Enjoy Personal Growth

Boredom and feeling a lack of purpose are issues that arise for many seniors who don’t get exposed to new ideas and activities through work anymore. A respite caregiver can provide new things to do, such as fun and exciting games your loved one hasn’t played before. While you’re taking a break, you can enjoy knowing your loved one is receiving mental stimulation that might even introduce a new favorite hobby.

Avoids the Temptation to Leave the Senior Alone

Your family may occasionally find everyone has something to do at the same time. Schedule conflicts could lead to dangerous situations if you feel like you need to leave your loved one alone so you can go to the doctor or handle other important business. Choosing respite care means your loved one’s safety is never jeopardized by a hectic schedule.Although it may be challenging to find reliable, highly rated at-home care, Des Moines, IA, families can turn to Home Care Assistance. Our respite and live-in caregivers are expertly trained to assist seniors with a wide array of important tasks, including cooking, bathing, light housekeeping, and exercise.

Increases Positive Interactions Among Family Members

Caring for your loved one might also begin to create tension within your family. For instance, you may feel resentful about shouldering most of the work, or your sibling might feel as though he or she does more than others recognize. A respite caregiver gives everyone a chance to relax and unwind, which stops the cycle of resentment for your family.There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to manage if their families opt for professional homecare. You can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep your loved one safe and comfortable while aging in place. Call Home Care Assistance today at (515) 264-2438 to learn about our high-quality in-home respite care services.